"I'm hoping, but I wouldn't say that," said Coughlin, via the New York Daily News, after being asked if Pierre-Paul would be ready for Week 1. "That's an aggressive position to take."

Why isn't Coughlin more optimistic?

"Anybody that has had a back (injury) here knows that that is a very difficult thing to deal with," Coughlin said. "Nothing feels good. Your whole body suffers under that circumstance. Sometimes it is longer to recover than some other injuries."

It's not too hard to read between the lines here. The team might not have been in love with Pierre-Paul's decision to undergo surgery.

Coughlin also has made it clear he's not in love with wide receiver Hakeem Nicks' decision to skip voluntary workouts. Coughlin said he doesn't know why Nicks has missed practices and hasn't spoken with him. He's hopeful Nicks will be at mandatory minicamp next week. If not, the team could fine Nicks.